Chicken souvlaki is a tasty Greek dish featuring juicy pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection! Served on skewers, it’s perfect for a fun meal. 🌿
The best part? You can enjoy it with warm pita bread, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce. I love wrapping it all up for a delicious bite—just can’t resist those flavors! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for souvlaki. If you’re looking for an alternative, thigh meat is juicier and adds extra flavor. You might also try tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version!
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the flavors meld. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil, but I love the hint of flavor olive oil provides.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon gives a bright, zesty flavor. If you’re out of lemons, use vinegar like white or apple cider, but adjust to taste as it’s stronger. You could also use lime juice for a twist.
Oregano: Dried oregano is traditional, but fresh oregano is even better if you can find it. If you’re out, Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence can work well too.
Tzatziki Sauce: If you want something different, try a yogurt and cucumber dip, or even hummus for a creamy texture. You can also make a quick version by mixing plain yogurt with cucumber, garlic, and a bit of lemon.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Packed with Flavor?
To ensure your chicken souvlaki is bursting with flavor, the marinating step is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well and let it sit for a few minutes before adding chicken. This helps the flavors blend.
- Cut the chicken into uniform cubes. Smaller pieces absorb the marinade more effectively.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but longer (up to overnight) is even better!
When you’re ready to grill, try to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. Happy grilling!
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For Grilling:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce, for dipping
- Greek salad (optional), made with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Souvlaki recipe will take you about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you can, letting the chicken marinate for 4 hours or overnight will give the best flavor! Grilling will take about 10-12 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes, mostly passive cooking time while the chicken marinates.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika using a whisk. This will be your delicious marinade that flavors the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours or overnight for more flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to start grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It’s important to get it nice and hot so the chicken cooks well and gets those lovely grill marks!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the cubes onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece for even cooking. If you like, you can also add pieces of red onion or bell pepper to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
5. Grill the Chicken Souvlaki:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally to ensure all sides are grilled nicely and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, the chicken should be juicy and have beautiful grill marks!
6. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the chicken is grilling, lay the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute on each side to warm it up. This will make it soft and perfect for wrapping around the chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When your Chicken Souvlaki is ready, serve it with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce for dipping, and a Greek salad if you choose. Enjoy your homemade meal with a smile!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to your souvlaki. Just keep in mind that thighs may require a slight adjustment in cooking time, so check for doneness to ensure they reach 165°F.
What Can I Use Instead of Tzatziki Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute for tzatziki, you can use hummus or a yogurt-based dip. You can also mix plain Greek yogurt with garlic, dill, and a little lemon juice to create a quick homemade version!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Souvlaki?
Leftover chicken souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the grill or in the oven until heated through, ensuring not to overcook it.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate, and remember, the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful your chicken will be!
